Most people think of crystal chandeliers when they picture the large, earthy ceiling lamps in their parents’ living rooms.
90% of people cross out crystal chandeliers when choosing lamps for a new home decor.
Today, we must correct the name of the crystal chandelier. The crystal chandelier may not be too expensive or ugly, but you chose the wrong one!
Crystal chandeliers are very commonly used in Nordic homes. They do not necessarily have to be paired with intricately designed carved plaster lines, heavy furniture and wallpapers.
They create an eye-catching and conflicting effect as long as the tables and chairs are simple and there are large, white walls. Full.
In local lighting stores, the price of crystal lamps is generally around 8,000 to 10,000 yuan. Compared with the per capita income of local people, which is well over 20,000 yuan, crystal chandeliers are relatively affordable, but they are definitely not luxury goods.
Crystal lamps can add color and style to any style, including the Nordic light style.
If you want your home to look noble and classy, this treasured piece of furniture is definitely worth owning.
What is ugly and rustic? It’s only for the nobles
A crystal lamp is a chandelier. The earliest chandelier originated in the European Middle Ages. At that time, the design was simple: two wooden beams formed a cross with spikes on each end to hold candles.
Medieval illustration of a 1460 chandelier from King Rene’s Tournament Book
By the 15th Century, gold-plated chandeliers were becoming more complex due to the advancement of production techniques. Metal could reflect candlelight and was used in many churches and wealthy noble’s homes.
Amsterdam church antique chandelier with candle
Chandelier made from the paintings of Jan van Eyck (15th century).
In the 17th century, crystal chandeliers became more and more elaborate. They were first seen in castles and palatial buildings.
Because crystal refracts light better than metal, it makes large spaces appear brighter, luxurious and high-end enough.
The glass industry developed in the 18th century and gradually glass replaced natural crystal for crystal lamps. The production cost was greatly reduced, and crystal lamps began to spread into ordinary people’s homes, becoming more popular.
Crystal lighting was only developed in China after 2002. It was first used in formal occasions such as the Great Hall of the People and Diaoyutai State Guesthouse. After the reform and opening up, many crystal lamps entered homes and villas.
Around 2006, crystal lamps became popular in various European and Chinese style model houses, and many ordinary families would buy one to decorate and create an atmosphere.
The European courts that have praised the crystal lamps above are not the only ones who think they’re beautiful.
They are “ceiling crystal lamps” that have been localized after being imported to China, and some modern crystal lamps with spherical and thick branch elements.
These new chandeliers have a mixed design, and their proportions are far worse than original classic designs. Materials have been substituted with acrylic or plastic that is cheaper, and the texture of these lamps are very poor.
No wonder young people find crystal lamps with random elements piled on top of them tacky and expensive. In fact, the problem is not the crystal lamp itself, but the wrong style. The classic design of the crystal lamp is elegant and grand.
Cleaning the crystal chandelier is no trouble at all!
Crystal lamps are not only beautiful, but they can also be difficult to clean.
But in fact, crystal lamps suitable for most families can be cleaned daily with a duster. It is not troublesome at all. Just like other furniture at home, it can be cleaned once every six months.
A wool duster is also very useful. Wool can be used to clean tiny spaces that are difficult to reach with other methods. Slender wool can reach them.
It has strong dust cleaning ability. It is easy to dust off after it has absorbed the dust. Just turn it over and shake. It can be cleaned directly without washing. It is so convenient to clean the crystal lamp!
If you only pursue absolute cleanliness in your home, then crystal lamps are really not suitable for you.
If you are willing to put in a little extra effort, a beautiful crystal lamp will help you live a life full of style and quality, just as ironing your clothing and cleaning your shoes can make you appear more energetic.
Crystal lamp should be chosen like this
I have decided to buy a crystal lamp, but the crystal lamps on the market are so confusing. How do I choose one without being overstepped?
Classic styles are timeless and you cannot go wrong when buying them. The most important thing is to look at the thickness, shape and material of the lamp stand.
Lamp stand
In Europe, crystal lamps are designed and modified based on originals found in castles and palaces.
Crystal lamp styles include Louise, Eugene Maria Theresa Empire, Waterfall etc.
Louis style (Louise)
The palaces of that period were influenced by the Baroque-style of Louis XIV. Therefore, the interior furniture was also chosen to emphasize the exquisite craftsmanship and the luxury of spacious rooms.
Brass was used extensively in Louis-style lamps, and brass became a sign of status and power in the upper classes.
Louis style has a thick spindle-shaped trunk, and the curve of the brass lamp branch is relatively gentle, extending into the flat space. The curved outline and textured luster are still fascinating to this day.
Eugene style (Eugene)
After the European Wars in the 17th century, metals became rare, and glass became a substitute for metals because of its ability to reflect light.
It was at this time that Josef Palme completed the Eugene-style chandelier in 1724 – the first chandelier with a complete glass chandelier in the history of Bohemia, lighting up the Austrian capital. The castle of the Golden Prince.
In addition to the classic glass arm shape, the biggest feature of the Eugene style is the simplicity of the trunk shape, the steep curve of the lamp branch, and the lack of unnecessary decoration on the candlestick part. It is eye-catching, and it reveals elegance and grace that will never fade.
The transparent trunk gives the chandelier a sense of lightness as a whole. Later, there were designs that retained the simple and smooth shape of Eugene’s style, and the material was changed from glass to metal.
Maria Theresa style
This chandelier was used to illuminate the coronation ceremony of Maria Theresa in 1743.
Maria Theresa’s style crystal chandelier, which is bright and complex, is also typical Rococo. If Baroque expresses the world of men, then the feminine characteristics of Rococo style are more obvious.
Main trunks are shaped in arcs or S-shaped forms, full of feminine spirit. Metal is paired with sparkling crystals. Sometimes, the ceiling and wall are connected with arcs or murals that cover the ceiling. The overall decor is romantic, luxurious and leisure.
Empire style
At the end of the 18th century, the Maria Theresa style with its overly pretentious curves and gorgeous decorations was abandoned in favor of simple forms, and the decorative styles were unified to those of ancient Rome and Greece.
Napoleon, up until the beginning of the 19th century followed the example set by the ancient Roman Empire in unifying Europe. Interior decoration and furniture designs were also influenced by the imperial style, which emphasized clarity, symmetry and elegance.
Imperial style crystal lamps have a more robust material structure and are more stable. They are often arranged in geometric shapes, and the structures are hidden and wrapped in shadows.
The upper part of the ring is conical and the lower part has a bowl shape arc that looks like a big water drop.
Electric and natural gas lamps were introduced in the late 19th century. Candle-shaped human lighting sources replaced real candles, which not only reduced the risk of house fires, did not produce wax tears, but also saved the trouble of replacement.
Imperial-style crystal lamp designs also remove the candlesticks, leaving only the main design. They looked more simple and modern, and were suitable for decoration in modern homes.
Waterfall style
It is possible to consider the waterfall-styled crystal lamp as an improvement on the Imperial style. The lower part of Imperial style is retained. The crystal falls naturally. You can choose between round or square bases.
The inverted triangle shape is less oppressive than the previous spherical styles. It is friendly to small apartments and families with low floor heights. It also suits a modern, simple and minimalistic room.
The imperial and waterfall styles are the two most popular among these five styles. These styles are characterized by simple shapes, less metal frames and long, streamlined designs that do not appear bloated and are more versatile.
Louis style, Eugene Style and Maria Theresa Style are all too obvious and give off a strong feeling of age. They are more suitable for palaces, high-end hotels, or homes with heavy colors. They are too heavy for most people to hold.
If you really like the traditional style, the simple Eugene style will match better. As shown in the picture below, try to choose a style with fewer branches and layers. The decorative elements of the room should also be simple, so that it is not easy to be confused.
Check out the material
Crystal lamps are mainly made of metal arms and glass arms. Do not buy crystal lamps with thick branches. They tend to be rustic if they are thick. Do not have too many carvings. Golden metal arms with thin branches are the most versatile.
The golden metal arm appears more delicate than the glass.
Size matters
The height of most domestic residential buildings is 2.5~2.8m, which inevitably makes many people worry that crystal lamps are not suitable and can easily appear high, crowded and depressing.
In fact, there is no need to exclude crystal lamps. Crystal lamps in the imperial style or waterfall style are good choices. Crystal chandeliers in other styles are usually suspended from the ceiling. The height of the ceiling must be at least 3m.
As shown in the picture below, you can see from the door frame that the floor height of the room is about 2.5m.
The transparent frame of the crystal lamp above the dining table does not have a heavy sense of oppression. Instead, it lowers our attention and ignores the ceiling, which is very effective in increasing the distance between people and the ceiling.
If the floor height of your home is more than 2.8m, you don’t have to worry about the floor height at all. It is not too flashy, but it’s still prominent. The crystal chandelier can be placed in the dining room, living room, hallway, or bathroom.
The height of the lamp is the main factor that determines the size. It will not reach the head if it is installed in the living area as the main lamp. The bottom is at least 2~2.1m from the ground.
The bottom of the crystal chandelier, when hanging directly above a dining table and not above a restaurant, should be 75-90 cm away from the top surface.
The volume of the lamp is the main factor that determines the diameter. The main crystal lamp in the living room should be no smaller than 40cm. The core reason why you buy it is for decoration, and the lower effect will be more beautiful.
Like the earlier traditional chandeliers, the branches develop horizontally. The diameter of 5060cm works best in large living areas. When installed, it is the focus of the room.
The diameter of a crystal chandelier for a restaurant should be at least 2/3 or 3/4 the size of the tabletop. A more complex design will look larger than it actually is, so the width needs to be slightly reduced.
If the tabletop is relatively long, you can consider two or three small crystal chandeliers with a diameter of 1/3 of the table.
Lighting method
The bulbs of Louis style, Eugene and Maria Theresa crystal lamps are shaped like upward candles. E14 LED bulbs are generally used, and the light floats upward;
Imperial and waterfall light bulbs are designed with downward and horizontal orientation. E14 and E27 bulbs are large and have spherical bulbs.
Installed directly on the ceiling, eliminating the need for light lines, it not only has a strong decorative effect, but also ensures the brightness of the vertical space below.
If a crystal light is used in the bedroom and other rooms, you will need to use other sources of light to help with the lighting. The light would be insufficient and the texture of the light too monotonous if it were used elsewhere.
Cost-effective but not cheap!
All crystal chandeliers available on the market start at 1,000 yuan. The origin and purity of the crystal determine the price difference. Crystals with better crispness and transparency are of better quality and more expensive.
If you just like the shape of the crystal lamp, you don’t necessarily have to pursue the high-end texture of Swarovski crystal. The production cost of Chinese crystal is low, and we can buy a good-looking crystal lamp at a lower price, which is very cost-effective.
The majority of crystal lamps in China are made from K9, which is a material with higher light transmission, refraction effect, and hardness than resin.
This kind of artificial crystal is about 15% lighter than natural crystal, so you don’t have to worry too much about load-bearing when installed on the ceiling.
China’s crystal lamp manufacturers are mainly concentrated in Zhongshan, Guangzhou, Dongguan and other places. The majority of crystal lamps on this list are also made in these locations.
After searching in China for crystal lamps, J@s Lighting has the most products. These are mainly chandeliers that are exquisite, transparent, and can be used on balconies or restaurants. There are three sizes of each model: large, medium, and small.
For small apartments, smaller-sized chandeliers or wall lamps in the waterfall style are more suitable. It is a classic combination to combine crystal with brass. Installed next to the bedside in the bedroom, it is full of romance.
Imperial style crystal lamps are difficult to find on Taobao, but there are still a few good ones that we can recommend.
There are candlestick styles that complement warm light bulbs. You can choose a corresponding number of arms according to the size of the installation space.
Four heads are suitable for a space of 5~15m^2; six heads are suitable for a space of 15~25m^2; eight heads are suitable for a space of 25~35m^2.
This one is also a good choice if you want more crystals. The elegant and retro hanging shape expands the space without making it look bulky or depressing. When paired with American, Nordic and light luxury styles, it looks grand and romantic.
The brass lamp rings are a classic and romantic shape that is sure to catch the eye. This is a great choice for those who like a romantic, light style.
The store has a 10 year experience in manufacturing copper lamps. It has an offline physical store, and you can also consult customer service to design crystal lamps for the whole house.
Crystal lamps are European made. They can only look good if they are completely copied from domestic designs. In addition, there are relatively few styles, so it is indeed difficult to buy them in China.
The best way is to look at salted fish and go shopping for original, retro and second-hand crystal lamps from abroad. It will cost a bit more. Check the crystal for cracks, bubbles or water ripples.
Some tips summarized:
There will be no problem if the crystal chandelier is installed directly on the cement floor;
It is safer to install crystal and lamp panels in the suspended area by drilling them through the floor and installing them there.
The reason why classics crystal chandelier are classics is that unlike Internet celebrity models that become obsolete and eliminated after a few years, classic designs will still have vitality in modern times after thousands of years of updating and upgrading of aesthetic trends.